How Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Died

Bayelsa State was plunged into grief after Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo collapsed while on official duty on 11 December 2025 and was later pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. The state government confirmed the death and announced three days of mourning.

What happened

• Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 (early afternoon): Eyewitnesses say Ewhrudjakpo suddenly slumped at the Government House in Yenagoa while proceeding to a meeting. He was immediately attended to on site and rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
• Later that day/night: Hospital staff at FMC Yenagoa attempted emergency treatment, but the deputy governor was pronounced dead. The Bayelsa State Government issued an official press statement confirming his passing and describing the development as one of “deep regret and profound shock.”

Because hospital authorities and the state government had not released a detailed medical bulletin naming a definitive cause at the time of reporting, accounts of a suspected cardiac arrest appearing in some media reports remain provisional until an official medical report or post-mortem is published.

Who was Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo?

Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo was born in 1965 and had an extended career in Bayelsa public life. A trained administrator and later lawyer, he served in both legislative and executive capacities. He was elected Senator for Bayelsa West in 2019 and subsequently became Deputy Governor in February 2020 after being selected as Governor Douye Diri’s running mate. He also previously served in state executive roles such as Commissioner for Works and was known for his technocratic approach to infrastructure and constituency projects.

Colleagues and political allies described him as disciplined, calm, and loyal, a senior party figure who combined administrative experience with grassroots political reach across Bayelsa.

Official reactions and immediate government actions

The Bayelsa Government posted a formal press statement confirming the deputy governor’s death and announced three days of state mourning, ordering flags at half-mast. Governor Douye Diri and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued condolences, while leaders from across the Niger Delta and national political figures expressed shock and sympathy. Several national and regional newspapers and broadcasters carried tributes and reaction pieces.

Prominent politicians, including senators and former governors from the South-South, took to social media to pay tribute, calling Ewhrudjakpo a committed public servant whose death was a heavy loss for Bayelsa politics.

Reported medical cause — what’s known and what isn’t

Multiple outlets reported that Ewhrudjakpo “slumped” and described the incident as sudden; some media outlets and unnamed sources within hospitals reported a suspected cardiac event. However, the Bayelsa state press statement and hospital channels had not released a formal, detailed medical cause or post-mortem result at the time of publication, so any specific medical diagnosis remains unconfirmed and should be treated as provisional pending an official medical bulletin.

Political and constitutional implications — filling the vacancy

Under Nigeria’s constitution, the office of deputy governor becomes vacant on confirmation of death. The next step is for Governor Douye Diri to nominate a replacement, who must then be confirmed by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. The nomination process and the choice of a running mate will carry political weight in Bayelsa because of the deputy governor’s role in governance and intra-party balancing. Political watchers say the administration is likely to move swiftly to stabilise governance while respecting constitutional procedures and the family’s wishes.

Public mood, security and administrative continuity

Yenagoa witnessed an atmosphere of sombreness after the announcement. State ministers and civil servants were instructed to maintain calm and continue essential government functions. Security agencies reportedly increased visible patrols near key government installations to forestall rumours and maintain order. The governor’s office reassured the public about continuity in governance and pledged to publish further details about funeral arrangements and state protocols in collaboration with the family.

Legacy and assessment of his tenure

Ewhrudjakpo’s career blended administrative service and legislative work. As deputy governor, he was involved in policy implementation across infrastructure, education, and intergovernmental coordination. Supporters point to constituency projects executed during his time in the Senate and his earlier work as Commissioner for Works. Analysts say his death will create both an emotional and political gap in the Diri administration: emotionally because of his reputation for loyalty and steadiness, and politically because of the balancing role a deputy governor plays in state politics.